Climbing Block

Questions about climbing equipment from way back when?

Today we have kernmantle ropes, dynamic and static ropes, nicely tailored Cypress harnesses, barrel-locking carabiners, and lots of other nifty climbing gear. What was available in, say, 1985?

What were the ropes like? Harnesses? Carabiners? Were shear-reduction blocks or belay devices used then? What about S.A.F.E. and 4H? Belay commands and responses?

In 1985 I was still using 7/16 Goldline braided nylon rope and had been
back to 1970. One inch tubular web straps were stitched using nylon upholstery thread by furniture repair machinery. Two ends of a big loop
were ‘binered by locking oval at your navel. Then you bent over to pull
up remaining length between your legs to ‘biner that too. The harness
was called Banana Loop. My descender was the Roloff Repell Bar, a
smaller precursor to today’s Blue-water Racks, which did for me until
the Figure Eight was retailed. I began using and still retain prusik knots as ascenders. The waist loop went through 2 inch welded steel ring of quarter inch thickness. The metal was employed in making my
seat support sling knot. It was easy to slide up once you stood up on
the lower sling, an unside-down “Y”, with same steel ring as prusik
device. By 1985 I’d moved on to Gibbs Mechanical Ascenders, one
at left inner knee and another inside right ankle, and chest box roller
let me stand to make the leg-powered climb. 11 mm sheathed nylon kernmantle replaced tube straps for prusiks or other rigging. My ropes
remain both braided and sheathed kernmantle. I’d rig the rear prusik
to rest on longer ascents or return to knots only when ice or mud
made the Gibbs slip. Rescue pulley was sometimes my belay for a
complicated problem but usually somebody else did it manually.
I hated using bolts or defacing rock otherwise. “On Rope” by The National Speleological Society Inc. was my reference guide in 1985.

big block truck climbing exit hill at silver lake mi

Sailors climbing the halyard blocks Photo Mugs Sailors swarmed right up the halyard blocks to get a good purchase on the ropes…..

Super-Handy Heavy-Duty 4,000 LB Capacity Rope Hoist $9.32 UPC: 7946851528562 TON HEAVY DUTY POLY ROPE HOIST * Rugged 2.5 nylon pulley * Zinc plated, drop forged eye sling hooks and clip * 65 feet of 3/8″ rope * Lifting power 7:1 * 2 ton (4000lbs) working load capacity…

FallTech 7265HW DuraTech 60′ Heavy-Weight SRL Block w/ Galvanized Steel Cable (400lbs Rated) $674.00 FallTech 7265HW 60-foot DuraTech HeavyWeight Self-Retracting Lifeline is a fully-featured block with galvanized steel cable and CNC machined aluminum housing and drum. The internal brake is constructed with a hard-wearing bronze ratchet center and pawls with an alloy steel pressure plate. Also features the DuoTech load-indicating snap hook for attachment to the back D-ring of your full body harnes…

FallTech 7267HW DuraTech 40′ HeavyWeight SRL Block w/ Galvanized Steel Cable (400lbs Rated) $639.00 Line Material 3/16″ Galvanized Steel Line Length 40′ Housing/Drum Aluminum Weight 30 lb Rated Weight Capacity 400 lb FallTech 7267 40-foot DuraTech HeavyWeight Self-Retracting Lifeline is a fully-featured block with galvanized steel cable and CNC machined aluminum housing and drum. The internal brake is constructed with a hard-wearing bronze ratchet center and pawls with an alloy steel pressure pl…

Climb On! Sunblock $12.99 Climb On! Sunblock is the perfect sunblock that wont harm you, the water, the earth or the coral reefs! The sun is vital to a healthy human body, but don’t burn your skin…use sunblock wisely. “This Block Rocks!”…

Bison 2oz Block Chalk $1.99 these 2oz blocks are good for you next climbing trip . they can be broken up an put in a chalk sock or can be chopped as fine/coarse as you desire. Bison chalk is made of Magnesium Carbonate.

Freefall LE $3999.99 Easy to manage and packed with fun and excitement, the Aquaglide Freefall LE is similar to the Summit, just a bit smaller. A ten-foot high ladder-style climbing wall accompanies the zero-entry slide and an enclosed splash area makes the Freefall thrilling day that can be fun for hours and hours. Its DuraTex commercial grade fabric ensures maximum strength and durability while the seams are Hot Air Welded so that you can have years of trouble-free use. You can also combing the Freefall with other Aquaglide items through the Interloc System. Relax in the splash zone, fly down the slide and enjoy the day with the Aquaglide Freefall LE. DuraTex, Hot Air Welded, Interloc System, Up Grip Handles, UV Block – materials specially treated for high resistance to the sun’s rays, 3 Year Limited Warranty (1 Year Commercial Use), Size: 18L x 10W x 10L, Built in Cooler?: No, Model Year: 2011, Product ID: 220824, Shipping Exclusion: This item is only available for shipment by UPS to the lower 48 United States. APO, FPO, PO BOX, Hawaii, and Alaska shipments may not be possible for this item. (Please call prior to purchase.), Special Order: This is a Special Order item, will be shipped from the manufacturer, and is not stocked in our warehouse. All Returns/Exchanges are subject to a 20% restocking fee. This item does not qualify for our Price Matching Policy. Order processing time may vary.

Masonry Skills $184.95 Masonry Skills is now in its sixth edition continues to provide reader-friendly, comprehensive coverage that has made it so successful. Updated with the very latest developments in the masonry trade, this book starts by introducing basic work principles, such as working with materials, bonds, brick, and concrete block, and progresses to advanced work such as building fireplaces, arches, and more. Within this wide range of coverage, readers have the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for a successful career in masonry. This revised edition includes emerging masonry technology and concepts that are relevant to today’s masons, like SPEC MIX mortars, Mast Climbing Scaffolds, new corner pole projects, and new information on decorative concrete. Approved by The Brick Industry of America and field-tested by professionals in the field, this book is an ideal resource for anyone who wants to master the skills needed by today’s masonry professionals.

Revo Highside Large Sunglasses Pol Rtbeer/Brz $138.43 Revo Highside Large Sunglasses… Sustainable Style With Excellent Quality And Performance! The Revo Eco-Collection is whole new concept for today’s eco-conscious world. The Highside is one of many unique sustainable styles that are easy on the eyes and the earth! Revo Highside Large Sunglasses feature: Frames are sustainable, durable, lightweight, and flexible while maintaining their shape Anti-reflect coating eliminates light reflected off the inside of the lens Hydrophobic coating prevents water from leaving streaks on the lens which can distort vision Polarcast blocks intense glares reflected off surfaces like water, snow, and asphalt while maintaining optical clarity Serilium lenses are light in weight and capable of withstanding high velocity impact Lenses block 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC light Motion-fit positions the sunglasses in the ideal position delivering optical clarity from any angle reducing eye strain Element Shed coating ensures anything will roll right off the surface keeping your lens cleaner, longer Includes sunglass case Models/Frame Colors/Lens Colors: Revo Highside Large/Matte Black/Graphite Lens Re-Use nylon frames are made from recycled pre-consumer polymer resin (high grade nylon plastic) Neutral lenses allow for the truest color Best for bright sunlight and great for activities such as cycling and climbing Light transmission 13% Revo Highside Large/Polished Rootbeer/Bronze Lens Eco-Use nylon frames are made from the seed of the castor bean plant making it more sustainable, environmentally friendly, light, and flexible Provides the most contrast enhancement and works well in bright sunlight Ideal for sports such as golf, water sports and general activities Light transmission 13% Revo Sunglasses… Redefining The Limits Of Clarity! Please Note: The products on this page may only be shipped within the United States

Triple Block Rings – Small-medium $6.39 Jungle Talk Triple Block Rings Bird Exercise ToyExercise is not just fun for birdsit’s a necessity in captivity. Our Jungle Talk Triple Block Rings Bird Exercise Toy helps to maintain healthy, strong muscles, develop motor skills and keep your bird fit and trim. Our toy satisfies your birds climbing and gripping need with the 100 cotton rope and discourages feather picking with the colorful fruit-flavored hardwood shapes. For added durability, we’ve included a stainless steel quick links lock which can be set up and removed quickly.Fun time tips: Remember to supervise your bird during playtime. Rotate toys to keep your bird stimulated..